This Might Help

08/08/2026

08/08/2026

According to Dr. Damian Bebell in one of the world’s largest international research study on the subject, having thoughtful constructive tasks has a far stinger positive correlation with overall student engagement than general device presence.

Here is the link to the full study.

An Empirical Study of Teaching, Learning, and Student Engagement Across the K–12 Community of Apple Distinguished Schools

04/08/2026

29/07/2026

This is a GREAT way to have students talk about ANY breaks (summer, winter, spring, or even the weekends!) I’m big on list making with writing. I believe struggling writers feel most confident when asked to write a list. So it’s done A LOT. I like it too because I can say, “find one thing on your list and write about it!”

In this example, they might write about how they would NEVER want to go skydiving because they are scared of heights. Ooor, they might want to write about how cool it would be to go skydiving!

Either way—1. They didn’t feel insecure about their break because no one is taking about fancy vacations, etc! 2. They felt confident because list making is taking baby steps into a bigger task. 3. Now, they have something bigger to write about!

Just saw this on my camera roll and thought…it doesn’t have to be just summer! The “what you did NOT do” is a fun/engaging prompt for any time off of school! Plus, they come up with the funniest answers! “I did not fly an airplane to Mars” was a favorite that one of my students wrote. 🤣